Seminole County dissolution of marriage records are court files that show when a marriage ended in this part of central Florida. The records hold the petition, the final judgment, and other case papers filed at the county clerk’s office.
People search these records to confirm a divorce, check case status, get a copy of the decree, or look up family history. This page explains where the records sit, how to search them online, what fees apply, and which laws control the process in 2026.
What Dissolution Of Marriage Records Contain
A dissolution of marriage file holds every paper a court uses to end a marriage. The packet starts with the petition one spouse files and ends with the final judgment signed by the judge. Each step in between stays in the case docket so anyone can see the full history.
Core Paperwork In Each File
The main paper in any dissolution file is the final judgment of dissolution. This document shows the judge’s decision on the marriage, property, and children. Other common papers include:
- The original petition filed by one spouse
- The response filed by the other spouse
- Financial affidavits from both sides
- Parenting plans when minor children are part of the case
- Marital settlement agreements
- Court orders issued during the case
Difference Between A Decree And A Certificate
A divorce decree is the full court order. It lists every decision the judge made. A divorce certificate is a short state form. It shows only the names, the date, and the county where the divorce was granted. The clerk keeps the decree. The Florida Department of Health keeps the certificate.
Where Records Live In Seminole County
Seminole County stores dissolution records at the Clerk of Court office. The clerk works under the 18th Judicial Circuit, which also serves Brevard County. People can visit the office, search the online portal, or send a mail request for older files.
Clerk Of Court Office Details
The clerk office sits at 91 Eslinger Way, Lake Mary, FL 32773. The phone number is 407-665-4330. The office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays. Grant Maloy serves as the Seminole County Clerk of Court. The website at seminoleclerk.com lists forms, fees, and search tools.
Role Of The State Health Department
The Florida Department of Health also holds a record of each dissolution. County clerks send a report to the state after a final judgment is entered. This report creates the state certificate. The state office can mail a certified certificate to anyone who needs proof of divorce for name changes, insurance, or remarriage.
Online Search Tools
Most people start their search on the clerk website. The portal allows name searches, case number searches, and date range searches. Results show the case style, filing date, judge, and hearing history. Users can view images of filed papers for a small fee.
Seminole County Clerk Search Portal
The main search page lives at seminoleclerk.com. Users click on “Court Records” or “Official Records” depending on the type of search they need. Court records cover case dockets and judgments. Official records cover land and lien records that may include marriage data. For dissolution files, the Court Records tool is the right choice.
Florida Statewide e-Filing Portal
Attorneys and self-represented filers use myflcourtaccess.com to submit new petitions. The portal also stores electronic copies of case filings. Searchers who know a case number can pull up the full docket through this portal. Each document view costs a small fee per page.
Florida Official Records Search
The state official records search at myfloridacounty.com covers recorded documents across all 67 counties. Dissolution judgments sometimes appear in this database after they are recorded. The search works well for older cases that were filed before the clerk moved all files online.
How To Request A Certified Copy
A certified copy of a divorce decree carries a raised seal and a clerk’s signature. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies accept certified copies as proof. Anyone can order a certified copy by mail, in person, or online.
In-Person Requests At The Clerk Office
Walk-in customers go to the clerk office at 91 Eslinger Way. Staff at the records counter can pull a file, copy a document, and apply the clerk seal on the spot. Bring a photo ID and the case details. Pay the copy fee and the certification fee at the window.
Mail Requests For Older Records
Mail requests work for files that are not in the online system. Send a written request to the clerk office. Include the full names of both spouses, the year of filing, and the case number if known. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the fees.
Online Requests Through The Clerk Portal
The clerk portal accepts credit card payments for certified copies. Users log in, select the case, choose the documents, and pay the fee. The clerk mails the certified copy within a few business days.
Fees And Processing Times In 2026
Fees change from time to time. The table below shows the common costs for dissolution record services in Seminole County. All fees listed reflect the standard charges as of 2026.
| Service | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard copy per page | $1.00 | Same day |
| Certified copy of decree | $7.50 | 1 to 3 business days |
| Additional certification | $2.00 | Added to same order |
| Online document view | $0.50 per page | Instant |
| State certificate (Department of Health) | $12.00 | 2 to 4 weeks by mail |
| Expedited state certificate | $25.00 | Same day in person |
Florida Laws That Control Dissolution Files
Florida statutes set the rules for filing, storing, and sharing dissolution records. County clerks must follow these rules when they accept new cases or respond to record requests. Searchers should know the basic laws that apply.
Residency And Filing Rules
Florida Statute 61.021 says one spouse must live in Florida for at least six months before filing a petition. The petition goes to the circuit court in the county where either spouse lives. Seminole County residents file their petition at the 18th Judicial Circuit.
Grounds For Dissolution
Florida Statute 61.052 allows a judge to grant dissolution when the marriage is irretrievably broken. The same statute also lists incapacity as a ground in rare cases. Most Seminole County filings use the no-fault standard.
Time Before Final Judgment
Florida Statute 61.019 sets a 20-day waiting period after filing. The judge can shorten this period in cases of emergency. A simple uncontested case usually ends in 30 to 90 days. Contested cases can take a year or longer.
Property And Support Rules
Florida Statute 61.075 explains how courts divide marital property. The law aims for fair distribution based on each spouse’s situation. Other statutes cover child support, alimony, and parenting plans.
Reporting To The State
Florida Statute 382.023 requires county clerks to report each final judgment to the Department of Health. This report creates the state certificate. The report happens after the judge signs the final order.
Self-Help Resources For Searchers
People who search without a lawyer can use free tools from the Florida court system. These tools explain court procedures and help users fill out forms. They do not replace legal advice.
Florida Court Self-Help Program
The self-help program at flcourts.gov explains family law procedures in plain language. Users can read guides on filing for divorce, responding to a petition, and requesting a hearing. The site also lists local self-help centers where staff answer basic questions.
DIY Florida Interview Tool
The DIY Florida tool at flcourts.gov builds court forms through a question and answer process. Users answer questions about their case and the tool creates the right forms. The forms can be printed and filed at the clerk office.
Family Law Forms Library
The forms library at flcourts.gov holds every approved family law form. Searchers download the forms they need and fill them out by hand or on a computer. The forms follow state formatting rules.
Common Search Issues And How To Solve Them
Some searches hit roadblocks. Knowing the common problems saves time and money. The list below covers the most frequent issues searchers face in Seminole County.
Name Spelling Problems
Court records use the spelling on the original petition. A search for “Smith” will not pull up files under “Smyth.” Try alternate spellings, maiden names, or middle names if the basic search returns nothing.
Year Range Limits
The online portal allows narrow year ranges. A search for the wrong year will miss the file. Call the clerk office at 407-665-4330 if the year is unknown. Staff can help narrow the range based on other details.
Sealed Or Expunged Cases
Some cases are sealed by court order. Sealed cases do not appear in public searches. Only people named in the court order can view the file. Expunged cases are removed from public access. Both situations require a court order to open.
Old Paper Files
Cases filed before 1990 may sit in paper storage. The clerk scans these files on request. The scan process can take several business days. Plan ahead when older records are needed.
Other Florida Counties For Comparison
Seminole County is one of 67 counties in Florida. Each county keeps its own dissolution records. Searchers who need records from another county must contact that county’s clerk office. The table below lists major counties and their clerk websites.
| County | Clerk Website |
|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | miami-dadeclerk.com |
| Broward | browardclerk.org |
| Orange | orangeclerk.org |
| Hillsborough | hillsclerk.com |
| Palm Beach | mypalmbeachclerk.com |
| Duval | duvalclerk.com |
| Pinellas | pinellasclerk.gov |
| Lee | leeclerk.org |
Contact Summary For Seminole County
The clerk office handles all requests for dissolution of marriage records in Seminole County. Use the contact details below for phone, mail, and in-person visits.
- Office: Seminole County Clerk of Court
- Address: 91 Eslinger Way, Lake Mary, FL 32773
- Phone: 407-665-4330
- Website: seminoleclerk.com
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- State Certificate Office: Florida Department of Health, 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
- State Phone: 904-359-6900
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover common concerns about Seminole County dissolution of marriage records. Each answer gives clear facts based on Florida law and clerk office practice in 2026. Searchers who need legal advice should contact a licensed attorney.
Are Seminole County Dissolution Records Public?
Yes. Dissolution of marriage records are public under Florida law once the judge signs the final judgment. Anyone can search the clerk portal or visit the office to view the docket. Sealed cases are the only exception. A court order must seal a case to remove it from public view. Most cases stay open to the public forever.
How Long Does A Divorce Take In Seminole County?
An uncontested case with no minor children can end in 30 to 60 days. Florida law requires a 20-day waiting period. Contested cases take much longer. Most contested cases end in 6 to 18 months. Complex property or custody disputes can take two years or more. The exact time depends on the issues in the case and the court’s schedule.
Can I Get A Divorce Record If I Was Not A Spouse?
Yes. Florida law allows any member of the public to view and copy dissolution records. You do not need to be a spouse, attorney, or relative. The clerk office sells copies to anyone who pays the fee. Certified copies carry the same legal weight no matter who orders them.
What Is The Difference Between A Dissolution And An Annulment?
A dissolution ends a valid marriage. An annulment says the marriage was never valid under the law. Florida courts grant annulments in narrow cases such as bigamy or fraud. The clerk office stores both types of records. Annulment files follow the same search and copy rules as dissolution files.
How Do I Fix A Name On An Old Dissolution Record?
Name errors on old records need a court order to fix. File a motion with the clerk office. The judge reviews the motion and signs an order to correct the file. After the order is signed, the clerk updates the docket and sends a corrected report to the state health office. The correction process usually takes 30 to 60 days.
Can I Search Dissolution Records From Other States Through The Seminole Clerk?
No. The Seminole County Clerk only holds records for cases filed in Seminole County. Out-of-state records sit at the court where the case was filed. Searchers who need out-of-state records must contact that state’s vital records office or court clerk. Some states offer online portals for statewide searches.
What Happens To Dissolution Records After A Case Closes?
Closed cases stay in the clerk system forever. Paper files move to long-term storage. Electronic files stay in the online portal. The clerk sends a report to the state health office after the final judgment. The state keeps the certificate on file and can issue copies for a fee.